Customs Apprentice (Road Freight Forwarding)

SIMARCO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Witham (CM8 3DR)

Closes in 12 days (Monday 22 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 8 June 2026

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Summary

Simarco International is looking for a motivated and ambitious Customs Apprentice to join our award-winning team in Witham, Essex.
This is your chance to become part of the fast-moving world of international trade and logistics, helping businesses move goods across the UK, Europe and around the globe.

Wage

£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary range £15600 to £21158, dependant on age, experience.

Training course
International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm (1 hour lunch).

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 6 July 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

As a Customs Apprentice, you'll learn how international goods move around the world and play a key role in ensuring shipments comply with customs regulations.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

  • Booking and managing international shipments.
  • Preparing and submitting customs declarations to HMRC.
  • Communicating with customers, carriers, ports and logistics partners worldwide.
  • Assisting with transport planning and coordination.
  • Producing quotations and supporting financial processes.
  • Learning about import and export regulations.
  • Providing excellent customer service and problem-solving support.

Where you'll work

Simarco House
Crittall Road
Witham
CM8 3DR

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
  • Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
  • Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
  • Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
  • Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
  • Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
  • Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
  • Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
  • Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
  • Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
  • Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
  • Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.
  • Air. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the air freight industry.
  • Air. Select and use documentation appropriate to the air freight industry.
  • Ocean. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
  • Ocean. Select and use documentation appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
  • Road. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the road freight industry.
  • Road. Select and use documentation appropriate to the road freight industry.
  • Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
  • Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
  • Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
  • Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
  • Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
  • Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
  • Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
  • Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
  • Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
  • Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
  • Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
  • Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.

Training schedule

  • On the job training delivered by the employer.
  • Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3.
  • Allocation of an apprenticeship delivery coach who will carry out regular training.
  • Assessment and support visits to ensure you acquire new learning, knowledge skills and behaviours in order to progress and develop.
  • Identify, track and support 6 hours off the job training activities.
  • Quarterly formal progress review meetings, identifying learning achievements and next steps.

More training information

Internal systems & process training will be given by the employer.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)
  • Maths (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

Simarco is an award-winning international logistics provider, driven by a deep understanding of the fast-paced nature of global trade. We specialise in delivering bespoke freight solutions across the UK, Europe, and worldwide, offering flexible, fully tailored services that are designed to meet the unique needs of our clients.

https://www.simarco.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Pension scheme.
  • 25 days holiday plus 8 days bank holiday.
  • BHN – High Street retailer discounts and offers.
  • Simarco Stars – Rewards & Recognition.

After this apprenticeship

The logistics industry offers a wide range of career pathways. After completing your apprenticeship, you could progress into areas such as:

  • Customs Compliance
  • Freight Forwarding
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Customer Service
  • Operations
  • Sales and Business Development
  • International Trade

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Paul Cotton

paul.cotton@seetec.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000035624.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Monday 22 June 2026 at 11:59pm)